Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 July 2012
654 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri environment protection scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34616/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010. 75% payment, totalling €5.00 has issued in respect of 2010.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. The person named was selected for a ground inspection which took place on 13th May 2011. During this inspection, areas of non-compliance with the terms and condition of the scheme were noted in relation to Tree Planting Standard Option which resulted in a penalty being imposed. A letter issued to the person named informing him of this penalty and giving him the option to appeal the decision. My Department received an appeal from the person named, dated 11th January 2012. This appeal is currently under review and once a decision has been reached the applicant will be notified of the outcome.
Payments in respect of the 2011 scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. During these checks a number of issues were identified. A letter will issue shortly to the person named regarding these queries and once satisfactorily resolved the application will be further processed.
